Revision Joint Replacement Specialists
Expert Revision Joint Replacement in Indiana
The experienced surgeons at Midwest Center for Joint Replacement provide revision joint replacement procedures for people whose original joint replacement failed or “never felt right.” We perform revision joint replacement surgery for hips and knees using custom implant parts to accelerate recovery.
Revision Joint Replacement FAQ
What is a revision joint replacement?
A revision joint replacement is a surgery that fixes or replaces an existing joint replacement implant. Though some of these surgeries are needed because of old or worn implants, the vast majority of joint revisions are for patients who state their original implant “never felt right.” Most of MCJR’s revision joint replacement patients have had their original surgery elsewhere.
Why would I need a revision joint replacement?
Most patients come to us complaining of pain and/or swelling in the joint that has already been replaced. The #1 reason for needing a revision joint replacement is infection. However, some other common reasons include fracture around the implant, loosening of the implant for a variety of reasons, and wear-and-tear from an old implant. These things can happen soon after a joint replacement or after decades of good function.
Some of the most common reasons you may need a revision are:
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History of Infection
Post-op infection rarely occurs, especially at our surgery facilities. But if you get an infection either soon after surgery or years down the road, you will likely need a revision. If you notice significant swelling, tenderness, and redness around your joint, you can call our nurse team (whether you’re a current patient of ours or not!) and they will get you in to see a surgeon.
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Fall or Accident
With aging comes weakening bones and a higher likelihood of injury from falling. If you fall on your implant or experience any accident, come see your surgeon to make sure everything looks okay.
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Obesity
Although modern implants can last upwards of 20 years, being overweight will wear your joints out faster. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, being even 10 pounds overweight increases the force on one’s knees by 30-60 pounds.
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Involvement in High-Impact Sports
Many joint replacement patients can happily return to the sports they love. But those who participate heavily in high-impact sports that involve a lot of running may need a revision surgery down the road. This level of impact on an implant can wear it out or loosen it faster.
What happens during revision joint replacement?
If you’re having significant or persistent trouble with an existing joint replacement, our surgeons will determine your need of a revision through x-ray and a physical exam.
In a revision joint replacement surgery, your surgeon removes some or all parts of the original implant and replaces them. If your entire implant is faulty or worn down, then your surgeon will remove it and replace it with a new one. However, if just a part of your implant needs to be revised, your surgeon will customize an implant to replace what needs to be replaced.
If a part of your bone is damaged by a fall or incident, your surgeon will likely use specialized implants with longer stems to fit deeper into the bone so that your bones will have extra support. In these cases, your surgeon will spend some additional time customizing your implant to ensure stability and durability.
Ready to take the next step?
Follow the Patient Journey to Understand More About Our Process
Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, considering joint replacement for the first time, or in need of a complex revision surgery, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We combine advanced surgical techniques with a deep commitment to reverence, innovation, compassion, and access to care, so your experience is as seamless as your recovery.
Should you need surgery, you can rest assured that you will receive world-class care, either at our specialized outpatient surgery center or at one of Indiana’s top orthopedic hospitals.